Italian partners eye robots for shipbuilding
Aerial view of the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano, Italy. (Photo: Fincantieri)
Letter of intent between Fincantieri and Comau includes development of a welding robot for shipyards.
Robotic shipbuilding in Italy moved a step closer on 20 May, when Fincantieri and industrial automation specialist Comau announced a letter of intent to develop prototype autonomous steel welding solutions for shipyards.
The two Italian companies also agreed to co-operate on developing new technologies in a Digital Factory.
The first deliverable for Fincantieri shipyards, to be tested in the second half of 2022, will be ‘an anthropomorphic welding robot’ combined with a remote control tracked vehicle, the two companies stated.
Fincantieri and Comau will be co-owners of the intellectual property generated while developing the new concept design. At a later stage, they will explore the possibility of marketing this kind of welding product for shipbuilding and other ‘relevant business segments’ such as the construction industry.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
